When I think back on how much I spent on small amounts of slow flash storage just a few years ago, I cannot help but shake my head. Who could have imagined there would be flash drives offering 128GB of USB 3.0 storage? That, however, is exactly what you get with the new Toshiba TransMemory Pro USB 3.0 Flash Drive.
I love my 15″ MacBook Pro with Retina display. Judie loves her 15″ MacBook Pro with Retina display, too. We both hate the fact that the drive capacity is just 500GB. It is a constant frustration. Seagate’s new 4TB Backup Plus Fast Portable Drive is an amazing way to take 4TB with you; I wish I got this years ago.
If you are in the market for a new messenger bag, you might want to check out the booq Boa Nerve graphite messenger. This $155 bag is designed to look great but, more importantly, protect your gear and get the job done whether you are a bike messenger or not. Order now, and it ships March 1.
Beginning in mid-December, I spent four weeks traveling non-stop. It began with a trip to Israel and ended with two days in Detroit. I wish I had the Gate 8 Trifold Cabin Bag at the time. The $200 garment bag keeps clothes and toiletries organized and your laptop and tablet safe; it will make your next trip far less stressful.
My iPhone-shopping brother-in-law wrote, “I think I know the answer, but is 32GB enough capacity for normal users? I do not have tremendous amounts of data and generally don’t store much in the way of videos.” iPhone storage capacity is a potential issue, but it is one that’s easily resolved thanks to the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive.
I visited the Cambridge Audio suite during CES 2014. I put on headphones. I listened. The sound stinked. I put a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS USB DAC / Headphone Amp between the headphones and laptop. The sound was amazing — you might even say magical! The recording was fine. It was the laptop amp and the DacMagic that made all the difference. It turns out the audio amp on a laptop is an amazingly cheap component of most computers. It is fine for notifications and the like, but when it comes to listening to music the amps fall short. They…
Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multi-platform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is has released iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC.
I was impressed by Blue Microphone’s Spark Digital. In my review I noted that it, “the world’s first studio condenser microphone to offer both USB and iPad connectivity” does an excellent job of recording audio from both your Mac and your iPhone. I did, however, lament the fact that it only shipped with a 30-PIN Apple connector. No longer!
If you picked up a new computer, phone or tablet during Black Friday you aren’t done shopping yet. Make sure to check out ZAGG and stock up on some protection for your new device. My 11″ MacBook Air looks great and I’m committed to keeping it looking that way. A ZAGG invisibleSHIELD is a big part of making that happen.
As someone who uses a laptop for all his computer needs, the ability to quickly and easily connect multiple peripherals to it at home or work is more important than ever. The $119 Kanex simpleDOCK is an effective and elegant solution. The expansion dock and charging station looks great, works well and is, best of all, fast!
Booq has been coming out with some great new bags and sleeves for carrying all your mobile gear. Their new Python Slimpack Camera Bag now brings booq-style to carrying photography gear as well as a laptop and a few key essentials. The $149.95 backpack is made from great materials, offers superb ergonomics and looks great. Learn more.
Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multiplatform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is introducing iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC. iRig KEYS PRO is a true “plug and play” professional-quality programmable MIDI controller designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It features 37 velocity-sensitive full-size keys for 3 full octaves plus one note — allowing…
In recent years, I’ve come to appreciate that using a standing desk can give you an entirely different perspective. The Ergotron WorkFit-P Sit-Stand Workstation for Apple lets you work in either a sitting or standing position, switching between them in seconds. Best of all, if you use Apple products it has a look that will fit right in.
We reviewed the HEX Cabana Messenger Bag and were impressed. The $80 bag may look simple, but it has a trick up its flap. The HEX Cabana Messenger Bag was made with the iPad-lover in mind; it lets you carry a 15″ laptop and iPad. It even gives you access to the tablet on the go. We’re giving away the review sample!
If you find your self frequently using your MacBook air or MacBook pro at your desk you’ll want to check out the Kanex simpleDock’s 3-in-1. The $119.00 dock provides three USB ports, a storage/charging/syncing slot for your iPhone and more. This accessory will empower your laptop computing, help keep your desk lady and let you work more efficiently.
Once I started reviewing SONOS, Bluetooth and AirPlay speakers that didn’t stink, I thought my days with wired speakers were over and done. Then I met the Kanto YU2 Powered Desktop speakers. Three notes into the first song I was a fan. The review sample now has a permanent home in my office. Yeah, these speakers are that good.
If you need a stylish way to carry and protect your MacBook air or iPad look no further than the new Booq Viper hardcase. It offers fitted protection for your tablet or laptop plus room for key accessories. Best of all prices start at just $39.99. The Booq Viper Hardcase is a stylish way to protect without extra bulk.
My MacBook Pro has 512GB of flash storage. That may sound like a lot, but once you begin editing videos and loading up essential files the space gets consumed rather quickly. SanDisks new Cruzer Fit and Cruzer Force are a great way to add up to 64GB of storage on the go. Capacities top out at 64GB!
Do you, like me, have boxes of old pictures and greeting cards that are just begging to move into the digital age? Thankfully Epson recently announced the solution.The Epson Perfection V550 Photo offers “superior quality scanning and the ability to upload scans directly to services like Facebook and Picasa”. Just $199.99.
Periods of back trouble can’t slow me down, so I’ve had times when all my writing was done while standing. Many actually feel more productive when working at a standing desk, and I cannot disagree. If you have ever considered using a standing desk, Ergotron’s new WorkFit Sit-Stand Workstations for Apple are worth a look. Check both out here.
Blue Microphones’ Snowball mic is an impressive plug-and-play USB mic for PC and Mac. Now the $99.99 microphones are available for a limited time in Hot Pink, Wicked Purple, Bright Orange, Neon Green and Electric Blue. The Snowball has two condenser mic capsules and can switch between three settings for the best possible recordings. Just $99.99, check it out now.